Impact on Plant Species: The Jamaican iguana is a seed disperser, helping to distribute plant seeds throughout its habitat. Without the iguanas, the diversity and survival of plant species could be compromised, potentially disrupting the entire food chain.
Cascade Effect on Wildlife: The reduction or absence of plant species due to the loss of the Jamaican iguana could have cascading effects on other wildlife that rely on those plants for food and shelter. This could cause populations of other species to decline or change their behavior and distribution.
Disturbance of Forest Structure: Jamaican iguanas create nesting sites that serve as microhabitats for other organisms. Their absence could disrupt the forest's structure, influencing how resources are distributed and used by other species.
Impoverished Ecosystem Functioning: The various roles that the Jamaican iguana plays, such as seed dispersal and nutrient cycling, contribute to the overall health and functioning of the ecosystem. Disrupting these functions could lead to a less resilient and diverse ecosystem over time.
Potential Ecosystem Collapse: In extreme scenarios, the loss of the Jamaican iguana and the cascade of impacts it causes could lead to an ecosystem collapse, whereby the entire ecosystem can no longer sustain itself. This would have far-reaching consequences for the ecology of the region.
